The guys from fatsand productions have presented us with the world’s first instructional kiteboarding DVD that is actually worth buying. There's no one trying to look cool in front of the camera, nor are there the usual trashy heavy metal music blaring in the background.
The background music on the DVD could be described as funky chill-out music and blends in rather than distract from the visuals and commentary.
I have found this DVD to be immensely helpful. Learning tricks from a DVD like the Boost series or from magazine motor drive shots are just not possible for most of us.
Kiteboarding Progression is aimed at those many riders who take lessons in the beginning, only to find themselves hitting a plateau months later, unable to progress.
Kiteboarding Progression covers four tricks in 18 chapters : back loops (using the kite and without the kite), front loops (using the kite and without the kite), board grabs and transitions. Every trick is introduced with what the trick is supposed to look like, followed by two to three progressions or exercises. You first start off with the bare basics to complete the most basic form of the maneuver and then slowly progress. Kite and body movements are laid out in detail for each exercise.
Throughout each progression the key elements of each move is outlined. After each introduction you feel like you know exactly what to do rather than feeling that the exercises are too advanced or fast. Each move is repeated with different angles and important aspects are highlighted, and you even get to see what the kite should be doing through certain maneuvers with the help of multiple camera angles. At the end of each maneuver there is also a troubleshooting section outlining common mistakes and how to avoid them.
I have personally bought this DVD and am reaching a much better level as a kiteboarder with the help of this DVD. I find the DVD to be most helpful if you watch it a few times, go try a few tricks, come back and watch it again, etc.
Back loops, front loops, board grabs and transitions are the fundamentals for the freestyle kiteboarder, once you know these basics you can combine these maneuvers to create hundreds of other tricks.
This DVD is the ultimate progression tool for the kiteboarder ready to progress. Those already familiar with the maneuvers covered in this DVD might find the repetition that makes this DVD so great a little bit overwhelming. For the audience that this DVD is intended for, there simply isn't anything better out there.
The only thing lacking from the DVD is a bit more variety in the soundtrack, and perhaps a few other exercises like down loops, kite loops and kiteloop-backloops. Perhaps these tricks will be included in the next version of Kiteboarding Progression?
The trailer for this DVD can be downloaded here